On a significant Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed to Iran’s Foreign Minister an adamant stance, stating there was absolutely no justification for the United States’ aggressive bombing campaign against Iran.
Furthermore, Putin emphasized Moscow’s active efforts to support the people of Iran during these tumultuous times.
The meeting was held in Moscow, where Putin welcomed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi with the intention of fortifying their alliance, just two days after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered American bomber planes to launch strikes on Iran’s three prominent nuclear sites.
Regarding our role, we are wholeheartedly striving to provide support to the Iranian people,” he added. “I am delighted to have you here in Moscow today; this presents us with the chance to delve into these critical matters and collaboratively contemplate how we might navigate through the current challenging circumstances.”
During a conversation with Mr. Araghchi, Mr. Putin shared that he had deliberated over the ongoing Israel-Iran war with President Trump and had held talks with leaders from Israel, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. Earlier on Monday, the Kremlin announced that Mr. Putin had also reached out by phone to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani of Iraq. These dialogues appeared to be a component of the Kremlin’s larger initiative to portray Russia as a prospective intermediary, striving to initiate talks that might cease the fighting.
Araqchi expressed to Putin that Iran was engaging in rightful self-defense and conveyed gratitude to Russia for denouncing U.S. actions. He extended warmest regards from Iran’s supreme leader and president to Putin.
When questioned about Russia’s willingness to assist Tehran, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov responded, ‘The extent of our aid truly depends on what Iran requires.’ He emphasized that Moscow’s willingness to mediate the situation stands as a form of support in itself.
Peskov openly criticized the actions of the United States, stating, ‘We are witnessing – or rather, we have already witnessed – an expansion in the number of parties involved in this conflict, sparking a new spiral of heightened tension in the region.’
He continued, ‘Naturally, we denounce these actions and express our profound regret over the circumstances. Additionally, it must be determined what consequences have befallen Iran’s nuclear facilities and whether a radiation hazard is present.’
Furthermore, Peskov clarified that Trump had not provided Putin with detailed preemptive information about the intended strikes. ‘There was a lack of specific details provided. The subject of Iran was frequently touched upon during the presidents’ most recent dialogues, and Russia had put forward certain proposals. However, there was no precise detailed information shared on this matter,’ he elaborated.